The journey of supporting Black and Latine transgender/non-binary youth (BLTY) is both complex and rewarding. As practitioners, understanding the nuances of culturally informed frameworks like the Parental Gender Affirmation Model can significantly enhance our ability to support these young individuals effectively. This model offers a comprehensive approach to understanding parental gender-affirming behaviors through the lenses of intersectional stigma and cultural gender norms.
Understanding the Framework
The Parental Gender Affirmation Model begins with recognizing the multiple minoritized identities that BLTY hold. These identities often expose them to intersectional stigma, which includes both transphobia and racism. The model uses the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Modified Gender Affirmation Model as foundational frameworks to explore how parental attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence their support for their child's gender journey.
The Importance of Parental Support
Research has consistently shown that parental support is a crucial protective factor for the mental health of BLTY. The model highlights how parental attitudes evolve over time and how these attitudes impact their willingness to engage in gender-affirming behaviors. Practitioners can play a vital role in guiding parents through this process by providing psychoeducation about the benefits of social transition and medical interventions.
Cultural Considerations
Cultural gender norms significantly influence how parents perceive and engage in gender-affirming behaviors. For Black and Latine families, cultural customs, religious beliefs, and societal expectations can either facilitate or hinder their support for their child's gender identity. Practitioners must be sensitive to these cultural contexts and work towards creating interventions that respect and incorporate these cultural nuances.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
- Psychoeducation: Provide parents with information about the positive impacts of gender affirmation on mental health outcomes.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Develop interventions that are culturally informed and address specific barriers faced by Black and Latine families.
- Community Engagement: Encourage parents to connect with supportive communities that affirm gender expansiveness.
- Resource Accessibility: Advocate for easier access to gender-affirming services and expertise for families.
The Path Forward
The Parental Gender Affirmation Model offers a roadmap for practitioners to develop interventions that support BLTY by focusing on behavioral antecedents that promote parental affirmation. By addressing attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, practitioners can empower parents to become strong advocates for their children.
Parental Gender Affirmation Model: A culturally informed framework
